The first blind decision is not colour. It is whether the blind belongs inside the recess or outside it.
That changes what you measure, how much light is blocked at the edges, whether handles obstruct the blind and what surface the brackets need to fix into.
Cord and chain safety matters. In homes where children may be present, use safe by design options where possible and fit every supplied safety device exactly as instructed.
Tools
What you’ll need to do the job.
- Metal tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Pipe and cable detector
- Drill/driver
- Correct drill bit
- Screwdriver
- Stable step platform
Materials
What you’ll need to build it.
- Blind sized to the opening
- Manufacturer brackets and hardware
- Wall fixings suited to the actual substrate where permitted by the manufacturer
- All supplied cord/chain safety devices
Step by step
Do it in this order.
Choose recess or face fixing
Check the recess depth, window handles, opening direction, tiles and any obstructions. Outside recess blinds can cover more of the opening; recess blinds can look more integrated when the space allows.
Measure width and drop in several places
Openings can be out of square. Follow the blind manufacturer's exact measuring method rather than rounding dimensions or assuming the top and bottom widths match.
Confirm the fixing surfaces
Understand whether the brackets will fix into masonry, timber, plasterboard, tile or another surface. Make sure the substrate can support repeated blind operation.
Mark brackets level and square
Position brackets so the blind clears handles and opens freely. Use a level and recheck the blind width before drilling.
Check for hidden services
Scan the fixing positions and consider likely cable and pipe routes around the window before drilling.
Fix the brackets securely
Use the bracket and fixing instructions for the substrate. Tighten securely without distorting the bracket.
Install and test the blind
Clip or mount the blind as instructed, then operate it through its full travel to check for binding, rubbing or poor alignment.
Complete the child safety installation
Fit every required cord or chain tensioner, tidy or cleat exactly as instructed. Keep loops and loose cords out of reach and do not leave the safety device for later.
Things we’d do
Small choices that make the job better.
- Measure with a metal tape rather than a flexible fabric tape.
- Check the blind can clear the window handle before finalising a recess fit.
- Cordless, wand operated or other safe by design blinds remove a major safety concern.
- Keep the installation instructions; they contain the operating and safety information for that specific blind.
Things we wouldn’t
Common shortcuts that usually cost you later.
- Ordering from one width measurement only.
- Leaving a supplied cord/chain safety device unfitted.
- Using generic wall plugs without checking the substrate.
- Drilling close to a window without considering hidden services.
Before you start
Know where DIY stops.
- Looped blind cords and chains can present a serious strangulation risk to babies and young children. Follow current blind safety guidance and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
- Prefer safe by design options without hazardous operating loops where practical.
- Check for concealed services before drilling and use a stable step platform.